Postie, Plus So Much More! : Rural Women NZ

Hokitika’s Diane Howe is the very deserving winner of our Postman pat-on-the-back Award, pictured here with one of two people who put her name forward, Anne van Beek.

As NZ Post considers the future face of its mail service – both urban and rural – we launched our Postman pat-on-the-back Award to celebrate our rural posties and the wonderful service they provide to rural and remote communities

We received many heart-warming entries about posties who ‘go the extra mile’ for their customers. Many of you felt so moved by all the extra help and kindness your postie brings, you turned to poetry to express yourselves.

Out of 22 entries, we’re delighted to announce the winner of our Postman pat-on-the-back Award is Diane Howe of Hokitika, who was nominated separately by Anne van Beek and Di Strang.

Diane Howe fell into the role of postie, RD2 Hokitika, after her husband Bernie died following an accident delivering mail in the area. Diane didn’t want to let his customers down, so took on the run herself. That was 12 years ago and she now travels 52,000 kilometres a year and has 499 clients.
Diane’s help has been legendary, says Anne van Beek. “It’s never a problem to deliver medicine, packages or whatever may have been urgently requested.”

Di Strang agrees. “She’s a character and has one of the most generous natures I have ever seen.” Di says Diane Howe’s friendly face at the mailbox helped her overcome loneliness when she moved to the area nine years ago. Since then Diane’s given gifts to each new baby that’s come along as well as older siblings, and at Easter all the children get a treat.

After the Christchurch earthquakes Diane packaged up 17 boxes of lego she had at home, and with Di’s help, sent them to children who’d faced loss.

Diane reports road problems to the council, along with suggested solutions. If children are seen waiting for the mail, Diane explains where they should wait so they are not in danger.

Anne says Diane’s been a godsend. “Reliable affable and always ready to go the extra mile, to help out wherever she can.”

Congratulations to Diane and all the other posties you wrote to us about.

Check out all of the entries below. They’re truly inspiring!

Andrew, RD3 Cambridge

Cath and Dennis

Christine Hunt, Kumeu

Craig Fitzgerald of Pongaroa and Pahiatua

Freeman Willetts, Oamaru

Gail Hurrell of Arohena Near Te Awamutu

Gavin Free, RD Contractor of Leeston, Canterbury

George and Jan Bradley, Tuakau, Waikato

Graeme and Val, Collingwood